Tala Pasifika - Matou Uma

Tala Pasifika was a pioneering Pasifika drama series. This episode follows members of a young women’s netball team in the lead-up to the final game. The pressure is on for teammates Aroha (a rare screen appearance by Once Were Warriors discovery Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell), Moana (Ardijah singer Betty-Anne Monga) and Lagi (Tausili Mose). With a chance of selection for the development squad, everyone is hoping for a win. Director Justine Simei-Barton was nominated for Best Drama Director at the 2001 NZ Television Awards; she later developed it into 2003 drama series Good Hands - Lima Lelei.

The primary goal of Tala Pasifika was to present an authentic Pacific island voice that could provide a viable alternative to the images of Polynesia generated by Pākehā  filmmakers.

– Director Justine Simei-Barton in Wasafiri Magazine 1997, page 74

Key Cast & Crew

Betty-Anne Monga

As: Moana

Justine Simei-Barton

Director

Shimpal Lelisi

As: Philipo

Tausili Mose

As: Lagi

Ryan Monga

Composer, Musical Director

Mamaengaroa Pere (née Kerr-Bell)

As: Aroha